UK using less energy despite growing economy, report finds

lstar337

People in the UK are using less energy even though the economy is growing, new figures confirm.

New analysis of government statistics for BBC News shows that the average person in the UK is using 10% less electricity than five years ago.

Dr Nick Eyre from Oxford University told BBC News: "Energy use always drops after oil shocks and in recessions - but this current trend looks different.

"Energy use is lower than in 1970 even though the economy is twice as big - it's the first time in memory that energy use has fallen so substantially - and it's due to policy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30518649

AndyPK

Must be the led lamps.

Andy_WSM

Or it will be because the economy isn't really growing as the Government keep spinning and the average person (pretty much those of us on the forum) are struggling to keep up with increasing prices of everything so are cutting back continually.

The only growth in the UK is in the bankers & MPs pockets!

lstar337

Andy_WSM wrote: »

the average person (pretty much those of us on the forum) are struggling to keep up with increasing prices of everything so are cutting back continually.

This is certainly true for me.

The simple fact is that I (and many others) are working hard to lower their consumption because it is one of the last place it is possible to cut back. My income and outgoings are so closely matched that I can't afford to have higher utility bills!

The news seems to spin it as though it is all down to government green policies!

Farway

lstar337 wrote: »

The news seems to spin it as though it is all down to government green policies!

The Mandy Rice response required here, " They would say that wouldn't they"

FOREVER21

Sorry folks my useage of gas/ electricity has gone down so this will be included in their statistics.


However the only reason it has gone down is because prices have gone up!


My limited income does not allow me to have the same level of heating as I had a few years ago.
I get the winter fuel allowance for which I am grateful and this goes straight to my utility provider, but I have still needed to cut back.


If I carry on with my reduced use despite feeling cold, then the Government can boast a further reduction in consumption.

Nada666

Ten percent of total energy or ten percent of electric heating is a story. Ten percent on electricity is not. Two incandescent light bulbs used five hours a day each is 365 kWh a year. Just switching those would result in a ten percent fall from the average of 3,300 kWh.

Pincher

The population has gone up to compensate, though.


Free condoms to reduce energy consumption, now that is innovative government policy thinking.

Swipe

...And it hasn't been that cold

[Deleted User]

Mildest winter on record January to March this year and November/December in 2013. That would cover the reduced usage. I heard that British Gas had reported a 15% reduction in gas usage last winter. I cant believe that we re using less overall when tumble dryers etc are routinely used rather than pegs and line and we re all buying more and more gadgets, well I am .

TeamMCS

Pincher wrote: »

The population has gone up to compensate, though.


Free condoms to reduce energy consumption, now that is innovative government policy thinking.

Err, they already do that?